WTB lift off hard top for CMC Speedster

vintage has a hard top

 

 

 

Vintage has a great hardtop. 

 

 

I contacted VS.  They want my car there to measure for perfect fit.  I am in PA so round trip shipping cost to CA would make the top really expensive.  What a conundrum !!!

Aaaa,...Measure for a perfect fit?

 

David, Kirk built your car!

He knows exactly the shape, size, measurements of it...as he does with a removable top he's willing to sell you. Why can't he simply check the fit of a top to a VS body at Hawaiian Gardens?

 

Sorry Carl, I wasn't clear.  Kirk did not build my car.  Mine is a 1986 CMC built by a father & son in Virginia.  They finished it in 1993.  One of the issues is exactly where the windshield was placed.  Apparently kit builders (not professionals) did not necessarily locate/mount the windshields in exactly the same place (front to back). 

Ooops, my mistaken assumption... Apologies David, Kirk, SOC'ers, etcetera

 

You're right about windshield placements not being consistent between builds.

If it's of any help to you, I have the same (uninstalled roof that Kirk installed on Lfepardo's silver VS.  The diagonal dimension from the bottom edge of windshield contact to just behind door at seam is 27"...that measurement will be consistent with these tops but that doesn't take into account your windshield placement.

 

I suggest you ask Lfepardo for a measurement from his cowl up the outside of the windshield frame to the bottom edge of the front 'stem' of the roof...then see if a diagonal from there to the door/body seam is 27"...if it is you're fat.

 

If it isn't... dialog me for a contact name of a crackerjack in PA who could possibly tweak it right.

I will measure and post over the weekend... I was planing  on being in the garage most of the weekend.  its raining in SEA, perfect time for winter projects!

 

cheers

Luis

Ok guys, thx for the help.  I'll take some measurements.

How much is vintage's top? Is is painted w/glass and have side windows?

Loren look at Luis silver VS above in his avatar - it has the VS hardtop pictured.  Yes its fiberglass.  No it doesn't have side windows (just side curtains and no quarter windows). My guess is rear window is "plastic". He said $2500 (painted) in his previous post below (with lots of pictures).

 

https://www.speedsterowners.com...9#356095480999636749

 

 

 

I know all say that the windshield is in different places on FF/CMC.  But many molds has the positioning dimple on where to drill and there was a template available for those without the mold dimple - plus the rake of the windshield can be adjusted to compensate somewhat.

 

 

Or if you have around $5K, via Fibersteel.

 

http://shopify-wix.herokuapp.c...0-97p&cartId=268






Cheers, THOM

A few years ago, I called Fibersteel to ask about those hardtops with rear quarter windows (the "Glasspar top").  Even though their website at the time said that they could fit replicas, the person I spoke with dissuaded me from the Glasspar tops - saying that they wouldn't fit unless the manufacturer had the top during its construction. 

 

He recommended that I go with their Plasticon hardtop (which don't have the rear quarter windows) because they have enough extra fiberglass to allow them to be trimmed and retro-fitted.  It might be a different story if you were able to drop your car off with Fibersteel.

 

I still haven't gotten a hardtop, but every year around this time my thoughts turn to switching out the canvas tent for a hard roof and improving the heat.   

It might be me, but I feel without the quarter you lose a lot of visibility.

No more 'loss of visibility' than with the soft top up

In fact there's more over-the-shoulder visibility because of the much wider rear window

Just measured my Plasticon rear window:

 

42" opposed to only 28' on my soft top.

Guys, per my research before buying the top in May 2013-

 

TOP

 

-listed are advertised prices... Thought they were all a little flexible when I got down to negotiating buying my top and finding a solution that worked for me.

 

- Glasspar top, black or white only- 4500$ + shipping through fibersteel. Does not include side curtains and would require some fitting / re-painting to my VS If windshield was already installed.

 

- Plasticon top- (no quarter panel window, but has rain gutter over doors) through fibersteel -1800$ + shipping, not primed/ not painted/ no hardware.  If they have the car on site they will fit and paint at fibersteel- total estimate at ~2500$.  Does not include side curtains.

 

- RustyTubs also sells the Plasticon top... 1800$ + shipping.  Up to you to fit/paint.

 

- VS hardtop $2500 includes fit/paint to color match car. Includes side curtains made of soft top material. No rain gutter over doors.

 

 

Windows

- plexiglass side curtains $770 through fibersteel... But they need the car on sight to fit.  They also have an option  to send you a home mock up kit to take measurements for them to build windows without the car.

 

- fibersteel will also sell you the chrome hardware for you to build your own plexi windows which is significantly cheaper $$$. Price not advertised.

 

Call Russ at Fibersteel to find a solution that works best for you.  Russ was very helpfull, and helped me price a solution that best fit my wallet.  He also has a good relationship with Kirk at VS, and installs the rear window panel on all the VS hard tops.  So if you buy a VS hard top, you may be able to order it with the plexi windows in lieu of with the soft fabric windows that Kurt makes to fit his top.

 

after physically seeing all three tops, and staying within my wife's car toy allowance, I purchased the VS top with Kirks soft side curtains, and worked with Russ to make the plexi windows... Not hard to make if you are comfortable working with plexi.

 

the soft side curtains oriinally did a better job keeping water out when the car was parked, but flaped at speed.

 

The plexi windows rock at speed... They don't flap at all, and after my most recent tuicking and rubber/ foam trim addition they don't let any significant amount of water in... Not even when parked.  This allows me to feel comfortable taking the car out on days when the forecasted chance of rain is 40% or less...  

 

 

The hard top and plexi windows have helped extend my driving season in Seattle.. car has been out and about most of November... Will see what the weather is like when I return to SEA this weekend.

 

sorry for the long note... Sitting here in Prague, enjoying a pint with some time to kill.

Thanks for the informative post! 

 

Na zdraví!

Luis...thank you for the very informative post. Not long winded at all. Hoist a full pint for that ! Your top looks great.

 

Heysuus...didn't I tell a young Lady that same thing today around 2:30 ?

 

We all need to learn. Carl Berry pulled a Home Run this year and got us each ( what I think mine is ), a Plasticon glass top from Cali. Just a shell but really good to work with and low $$$ to boot. I've just lengthened the rear lip a bit and with a bit of push and shove, some window glass trim rubber, three front latches for the window bow and a few more creations for the side/rear areas, I'll be ready for paint.

 

I've scoured the Samba for rear window fitment ideas and continue to come up with the Rusty Tubs site. They claim to have a rear window and seal kit for $55. but currently out of stock. No sweat there, but my questions about fitment continually get the same old evasive, tricky and vague answers. Rick, or Rich is the one responsible for that at Rusty tubs.  Just trying to support small business and not do it all myself.  ( Ry Cooder , eh ?)

 

Leon Redbone's in town early, Dec...maybe I'm going to be ok...

Luis - thx - very helpful post. - Dave